Big Flower, little flower

Big Flower, little flower Knitted Shawl by Mary-Anne Mace

What is Being Made

Big Flower, little flower is a top-down crescent-shaped shawl designed by Mary-Anne Mace. This advanced knitting project creates a sophisticated accessory measuring approximately 40 cm (15.75 inches) deep at the centre, with a neck edge of 2 metres (78.75 inches) and a bottom edge of 2.8 metres (110 inches). The shawl combines multiple stitch techniques and decorative elements to create a visually interesting garment suitable for experienced knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

This shawl showcases a variety of advanced knitting techniques that work together to create its distinctive design. The construction begins with a garter tab foundation, establishing a stable base for the top-down shaping. Throughout the project, strategic increases are worked at each edge on right-side rows to create the crescent shape. The shawl features twisted stitches that travel across the fabric like tendrils, adding textural interest to the smooth surface. These twisted elements merge into cable stitch sections that branch outward, creating organic, flowing lines. The designer incorporates slipped stitches to add definition and visual texture. A stranded flower motif is worked into the main body, adding a delicate floral element. The border features a lace pattern with a cute little lacy flower design, and an eyelet border finishes the bottom edge, echoing the neck edge construction and helping to reduce the curl tendency of stocking stitch.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stocking stitch: Forms the smooth primary surface of the shawl
• Garter stitch: Used for the foundation tab at the beginning
• Twisted stitches: Create tendril-like textures across the fabric
• Cable stitch: Branches out from the twisted stitch sections
• Slipped stitches: Merge together to create definition and texture
• Stranded colorwork: Used for the simple flower motif in the main body
• Lace stitches: Featured in the border with a lacy flower design
• Eyelet stitch: Creates the decorative bottom border

Materials and Specifications

This shawl is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, specifically Zealana Kauri Fingering in the colourway 13K Grey. The yarn composition is 60% merino, 30% possum, and 10% silk, providing a luxurious blend that offers warmth, softness, and subtle sheen. The project requires 3.5 skeins of yarn. Knitting is worked on 4mm needles, and the gauge is 15 stitches and 29 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. The downloadable PDF pattern includes all necessary instructions for this advanced-level project.